Lake Needwood

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Needwood is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Barnacle x Cackling Goose (hybrid)

Branta leucopsis x hutchinsii

3/6/2026Springdale Drive Quarry1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/6/2026Centennial Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026C&O Canal--Riley's Lock1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/6/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/6/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

833/6/2026

Bufflehead

43/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

73/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Horned Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

93/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Crow

253/6/2026

Fish Crow

2003/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

43/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

43/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

23/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Needwood for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Needwood for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Needwood?
Notable species at Lake Needwood include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Needwood?
Birding at Lake Needwood is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Needwood?
Lake Needwood offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.